Oct 03, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Politics and Government, Minor


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Introduction

Students in the Department of Politics and Government explore the processes by which a community decides what common goals it wants to achieve, what its rules will be, and how those policies and rules will be carried out or enforced. Nothing is more important to a healthy society. We are fascinated by the political process in the United States and in the world and concerned about its outcome, and we welcome all students who share that interest.


While our program provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in political science and law, the primary focus of the department is to provide skills and habits of mind useful in a wide range of professions. Recent graduates of the department have found jobs and careers in law, politics, business, teaching, journalism, the non-profit world, and government service. Some of our graduates continue their educations in professional programs in law, business (MBA), international affairs, education, public administration, and other fields. Many work directly after college (often as staff members for elected officials or government agencies) before going on to graduate school.

Minor Requirements


Total: 20 Credits


Program Learning Outcomes


  • Develop in students a broad knowldege of political phenomena, practical skills of analysis and communication, and an understanding of theoretical approaches to politics
  • Apply political theories and concepts to gain analytical leverage over historical and contemporary political events
  • Critically analyze political texts through criticism, constructive engagement, and lateral comparison and contrast
  • Publicly present and defend a political research projects in an engaging, cogent way

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